Shoreham Beach man to run the Sahara

Following two years of training, planning and preparation, Brett, of Anchor Close, Shoreham Beach, will embark on the Marathon Des Sables (MDS) tomorrow (Thursday, March 27).

The race sees around 700 competitors attempt to cover 157 miles in six days '“ a distance equivalent to a marathon a day.

Brett said: "As an individual, there is nothing more I enjoy than taking on a challenge, whether it is in a workplace or out in the open with my running shoes on.

"Enjoying the outdoors, I completed the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, competitively raced mountain bikes, completed three London Marathons, numerous half-marathons and all the long miles of training that are needed."

Brett started thinking about MDS after watching a television documentary on the race.

Within a week, he had sent off his entry form.

He added: "Since the acceptance of my application, nothing has been left to chance '“ I have certainly found the preparation of the race a challenge in itself."

Each competitor will carry a pack weighing up to 30lb which will contain essential equipment and food for the duration of the race.

Brett said: "The only outside assistance will be the rationed nine litres of water a day, which is distributed at checkpoints, and the provision of emergency rescue helicopter teams.

"There are certainly no luxuries in this race '“ sleeping will be on the desert floor, no showers or toilets, and the only food to eat is what is carried in your pack.

"In addition, competitors are required to carry mandatory equipment such as distress flares, survival kits and anti-venom pumps, which will be extremely useful for any snakes or scorpions that we may be unfortunate to stumble upon."

The MDS is split into stages, with, some days, requiring runners to complete distances of up to 52 miles, often in scorching heat across rough terrain and sand.

"Each stage consists of checkpoints which need to be reached within set time limits to avoid elimination.

"Therefore, navigational skills are just as important as fitness," said Brett.

"It is just possible to see why this race has earned itself the title 'the toughest footrace on Earth'."

Brett completed the London Marathon in 1999, 2003 and 2004, raising money for Cancer Research UK each time, and will be supporting the charity again at MDS.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Brett can do so at his online fund-raising site, www.justgiving.com/brettdobby